In this episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho Toto speaks with Batrice Cordova, an advocate for resilience and empowerment who has turned a life marked by trauma, loss, and addiction into a journey of healing and hope.

Batrice shares her deeply personal story of losing her young daughter in a tragic fire, battling alcoholism from the age of 12, and carrying decades of unspoken pain — until she chose recovery and the courage to finally speak her truth. Today, with over 400 days of sobriety, she empowers others to face their struggles, embrace vulnerability, and redefine what it means to be strong.

Together, they explore:

• How trauma and silence can drive people toward addiction.

• The emotional weight of pretending to be “strong” while suffering inside.

• Why self-expression and vulnerability are keys to healing.

• The daily fight to stay sober and the power of taking recovery one day at a time.

• Misconceptions about trauma, grief, and the resilience required to keep moving forward.

• Advice for young women on navigating life without falling into cycles of regret, addiction, or silence.